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Brigade Loses to Orlando in front of 16,095 fans at Kemper

May 6, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


KANSAS CITY - The home finale of the Kansas City Brigade's inaugural season provided 16,095 raucous fans with some exciting moments against the Orlando Predators. The Brigade celebrated Fan Appreciation Night with the first kickoff return for a touchdown in franchise history and two players, quarterback Raymond Philyaw and WR/LB John Booth, made their home debut. In traditional Brigade style, the team fought hard until the final whistle but could not overcome a 22-point first half deficit in a 63-42 defeat. The Brigade, now 3-12, will close its season this Friday night in Utah against the Blaze.

The game started quickly as Orlando took just three plays to get into the end zone. The Brigade did not waste time either. Chris Sanders took the first snap from his own four yard line and immediately noticed that Jerel Myers' defender had fallen down. Forty seconds and 46 yards later Kansas City was on the board. MacKenzie Hoambrecker missed the extra point for an early 7-6 deficit.

The Predators returned a Sanders interception for a touchdown for its third score of the game and Kansas City had to answer. The offense marched on a seven-play 45-yard drive that consumed 4:10 spanning the first and second quarters. Aaron Boone setup the Brigade touchdown with a 10-yard reception to the one yard line. Sanders finished off the drive with a sneak and Hoambrecker's extra point cut the lead to eight at 21-13.

Late in the first half, the Brigade needed someone to step up and make a play. The Kansas City defensive line gave the team a lift as Michael Landry tipped a Joe Hamilton pass at the line scrimmage and Byron Douzart was in perfect position to corral at the Orlando 17 yard line.

Kansas City had an opportunity to start fresh with the opening possession of the second half. Raymond Philyaw, who entered the game near the end of the second quarter, led the offense on a six-play, 45-yard drive capped off by Sam Simmons nine-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. Hoambrecker made the extra point to shorten the Predators' lead to 35-20.

The highlight of the game came after the Predators scored to take a 42-20 lead. On the ensuing kickoff Sam Simmons proved the Brigade is willing and able to fight to the end. He took the ball off the net seven yards deep, rann it out and cut across the field to break into the open, then slowed down to let his blockers get in front of him on his to a 55-yard return for a touchdown, the first in franchise history.

Aaron Boone and Jerel Myers capped the Brigade scoring with touchdowns, but it was not enough to overcome the first place Predators.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 6, 2006


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